AE/MS Family Letter, May 19, 2016

ANDOVER ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL

www.aemseagles.org

Please enjoy the concert this evening. The chorus will sing several selections and all three bands will dazzle you with their musical talent. I have attached the program so that you can get a sneak preview.

SHARE Day overflowed with fun, excitement, and activity last Friday. Check out the photos on our website. The range of workshops offered to the students was incredible! Kindergarten students milked cows, got fingerprinted by a real police officer, tie dyed, and more. First and second graders sewed and stuffed pillows, made personal clipboards, zentangled, and made puppets. Students in grades three through eight had dozens of activities to choose from. Some students went golfing while others rode horses. Some learned the sport of rugby while others perfected their soccer, lacrosse, mountain biking, and field hockey skills. Some students worked with clay while others created beautiful charcoal drawings. Some students delicately painted vases while others meticulously crafted padded boxes. Musical instruments were built and played for all to enjoy. Of course kick-boxing, martial arts, and zentangling remain popular. A new workshop this year – making dog toys – was a big hit and is already being requested for next year. There was something for everyone! Thank you to all the parents, community members, and volunteers who continue to make SHARE Day such a success. It truly takes a village… Thank you!

On Tuesday we were honored to have some of our seniors return from MVHS and share their senior projects with us. Ben Yusko, Elizabeth Labrie, Mackenzie Donovan, and Brandon Jackson shared their projects with students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The seniors also shared advice for a successful start to high school. It has become a tradition to invite our seniors to return to AEMS in the spring. It gives our school community an opportunity to visit with them before they graduate and go off to their next experience.

Monday will be a day for many of our students to learn more about Egypt, the Middle East, Islamic culture, and current issues. This is an exciting opportunity! Several students from a school in Egypt will spend time in our classrooms teaching our students about their culture and dispelling stereotypes. We are looking forward to the visit.

Our school community mourns the loss of Christine Mitchell. AEMS lost a good friend this week. Thank you for your kind words and offers of support and resources. Many students made appreciation cards and drawings which are displayed on bus #1 this week and will then be given to Christine’s family. Also, thank you for your patience as we scramble to replace a driver. Changes are as follows;

Bus #1 –  Lynn Calvino will drive am and pm for the remainder of the school year.

Bus #2 – No changes – Nancy Teach will continue to be the driver am and pm.

Bus #3 – No changes – Kim Patten will continue to be the driver am and pm.

Bus #6 – Rodney Dollar will drive all am runs. Rodney, Erin McCarthy and Marion Devir will share pm runs.

The bus drivers remain strong and happy for the students. However they are clearly struggling with the loss of their colleague. Simple notes of appreciation would mean a lot to them right now.

Please note there is an error on the May lunch menu. There is NO school on Memorial Day.

I have updated the list of end-of-year events for AEMS and attached it.

Spring Track and Field is coming to an end. It was another great season for our team. Many of our athletes tried a variety of events and improved throughout the season. Two school records were broken. The Championship Meet is this afternoon in Belmont and we have had six athletes qualify. Good Luck Eagles!

If you have questions or concerns please stop in or give me a call.

Sincerely,

Principal Jane Slayton